The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1887-07-04
THE ORPHANS SCHOOL
Located at Washington, Ga.-Points
About the Racant Examination

Located at Washington, Ga.-PointS
About the Recent Examination.
Editor Morning Net0S: feel it almost a
duty, as well as a great pleasure, to speak
through your columns of the annual exami-
nation of the orphan boys at Washington,
Ga, which attended on June 80 1t is
pleasure to express my astOnishment-yes,
astOnishment-at the excellent showing
made by school of ''orphan boys and a
duty | owe to those, who, like myself, have
given their mite, from time to time, to this
institution, but who were not so fortunate
as in being present to see how well our in
vestment is paying, considering our charity
in business light. Certain l am, if those
who have ever given so much as a dime to
st. JOseph'S Orphanage, could know, as do
now, how well it is expended they would feel
proud that they had contributed the least
bit to build up so noble a charity.
The examination was held in large, airy
school room, well fitted up with desks,
blnckboards, maps and all school parapher
MALTA. One blackboard was covered with
drawings illustrative of philosophy, excel
lently executed, This was the work of the
boys, and was to serve them in lieu of APP
paratus in the recitation of that study. OPP
poSite were large maps also drawn by the
pupils, which were really remarkable for
their execution and correctness.
Promptly at O'Clock the exercises began
with a class in catechism. Then followed
philosophy, arithmetic, United States his
tory, algebra, grammar, geography and
spelling, and for three hours and half the
interest awakened by the first excellent reel
tation never slackened. The bright-faced,
neatly dressed boys were so ready with their
answers, SO quick and precise, so thoroughly
familiar with every lesson, that it was real
pleasure to watch them, as well as listen to
them.
The examples in arithmetic and algebra
Were given them at random through the
portion of the book over which they had
passed, and there was not hesitancy in any
case, but quick, clear solution and analysis
| of each example. The analysis given in a
manner that proved that the boys were not
| pieces of machinery wound up for the oc-
| casion, but well grounded, and thoroughly
| at home in what they were doing.
| The exercises We're varied by poetical
rectations well delivered, and by the read
ing of two original compositions descriptive
of the boys frolics i'll winter and how they
spent Washington's birthday. These were
| quite interesting and amusing and let us
into the secret of their happy faces and
their zeal for study and work which was re
warded by such pleasant recreations.
Several handsome gold medals were given
TO tho boys for proficiency in studies and
for good conduct, while they were all com
mended for their excellent department, their
honor and industry.
And these were orphan boys Suggestive
TO me, before | saw this school, of sad ,
| pinched faces and dull minds, but here were
| boys happy, healthy, intelligent, as well
| grounded, as well trained as the very best
schools or colleges could produce. Here
were boys as well cared for as if they paid
their $500 year One thing that struck
me forcibly was the affectionate confidence
which the boys showed toward their teach
ers, gentle-faced sisters of that noble band
who sacrifice their lives for these poor little
ones. Happy boys 20 have such mothers,
such guides, such beautiful souls to guar d
| and care for them.
And whose was the happiest, proudest
| heart at the success of that examination
| One whom they call father, and who in
very truth is father to them.
Rev. Father O'Brien. so proud of his
boys, SO Jealous for their welfare, and so
| earnest in his efforts to effect what we saw
this day. Orphan boys lifted out of the
| comfortleSs, cherries, routine life of the
| typical orphans ''home" into the atmos-
| phere of true home, where love of God
makes tender mothers of the blacS-robed
sisters, places generous, careful father ut
the head of the household and supplies the
| gentle influences of happy home-life. |
congratulate myself that ! have seen all
| this and beg you to let others have the
benefit of my happy experience.
MANNING.